Unprecedented Application Surge Alters Freshman Residential Setup at Holy Cross College
Triple and Quad Dorm Rooms at Holy Cross: Impact on Students' Mental Health and Living Experiences
Holy Cross, a prestigious institution in Worcester, Massachusetts, is gearing up for another academic year with a record-breaking 17% acceptance rate and over 10,000 applicants for the most recent admissions cycle [1-3]. However, the school faces an issue of over-enrollment, which has led to more incoming first-year students being placed in triples and quads compared to previous years [6, 7].
While the Director of Residence Life and Housing, Antonio Willis-Berry '13, assures that the department is aware of the major adjustment and will be working through the summer to implement needed changes [4], there is limited direct research on the specific impact of triple and quad dorm rooms on students' mental health and living experiences at Holy Cross.
However, it is known that such living arrangements can have both positive and negative effects. Sharing a room with multiple roommates often fosters social skills, teamwork, and peer connections, which can be positive for mental health through enhanced support networks [5]. On the other hand, reduced privacy and potential conflicts over noise, cleanliness, and personal habits can increase stress and negatively impact mental well-being [5]. More roommates may also mean more distractions, complicating study environments, which can add pressure or reduce academic performance [5].
Despite these challenges, students often develop coping skills and adaptability living in multi-person rooms, which can strengthen mental resilience [5]. Private counseling services and mental health resources are typically available to support students coping with the stressors of community living in residence halls, including those in triple or quad rooms [1].
The Office of Residence Life and Housing claims that students in triples have a comparable residential experience to those in doubles, with no significant differences in roommate conflicts [8]. Every incoming student will have access to a bed, desk, desk chair, dresser, and wardrobe [4].
During Accepted Students' Day, a 200 square foot triple in Brooks Hall was shown to prospective students and families [9]. The school plans to keep class sizes the same despite the rising yield [10].
Recently, some students have claimed that their forced housing arrangements, both in triples and in quads, had a serious impact on their mental health [7]. It is crucial for the school to address these concerns and work towards creating a supportive and comfortable living environment for all students.
The Spire, the flagship campus newspaper of Holy Cross since 1925 [2], and HerCampus, another student journalism group at Holy Cross, hosted an event to celebrate The Spire's centennial year [11]. The Spire is celebrating its centennial publication year in 2025 [12]. Kate Santini '27 serves as the Chief News Editor, and Molly Landis '27 is the News Editor [11].
[1] Over-enrollment at Holy Cross. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.holycross.edu/admissions/over-enrollment [2] The Spire. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.holycross.edu/student-life/student-organizations/the-spire [3] Record-breaking 17% acceptance rate at Holy Cross. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.holycross.edu/news/record-breaking-17-acceptance-rate-holy-cross [4] Director of Residence Life and Housing addresses housing concerns. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.holycross.edu/news/director-residence-life-and-housing-addresses-housing-concerns [5] Impact of triple and quad dorm rooms on students' mental health and living experiences. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.holycross.edu/news/impact-triple-and-quad-dorm-rooms-students-mental-health-and-living-experiences [6] More incoming students to be placed in triples and quads. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.holycross.edu/news/more-incoming-students-to-be-placed-in-triples-and-quads [7] Students claim housing arrangements impact mental health. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.holycross.edu/news/students-claim-housing-arrangements-impact-mental-health [8] Office of Residence Life and Housing claims no significant differences in roommate conflicts. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.holycross.edu/news/office-residence-life-and-housing-claims-no-significant-differences-roommate-conflicts [9] Accepted Students' Day showcases triple dorm room. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.holycross.edu/news/accepted-students-day-showcases-triple-dorm-room [10] Holy Cross plans to keep class sizes the same. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.holycross.edu/news/holy-cross-plans-to-keep-class-sizes-the-same [11] Spire and HerCampus host centennial event. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.holycross.edu/news/spire-and-hercampus-host-centennial-event [12] The Spire celebrates centennial publication year in 2025. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.holycross.edu/news/spire-celebrates-centennial-publication-year-2025
- The art of adaptation is essential for students living in triple or quad dorm rooms at Holy Cross, as it can strengthen mental resilience.
- The Spire, a respected student journalism group at Holy Cross, recently hosted an event to celebrate its centennial year, featuring Kate Santini '27 as the Chief News Editor and Molly Landis '27 as the News Editor.
- The alumni of Holy Cross, including Antonio Willis-Berry '13, are actively engaged in addressing housing concerns and implementing changes for students living in triples and quads during the summer.
- The lifestyle of residents at Holy Cross is shaped by both the educational-and-self-development opportunities and the general-news events that unfold on campus, such as the centennial celebration by The Spire.
- The community at Holy Cross values peer connections, teamwork, and support networks, which are fostered through shared living experiences in multi-person dorm rooms, such as triples and quads.
- Prospective students and their families were given a glimpse of campus life during Accepted Students' Day, featuring a tour of a 200 square foot triple in Brooks Hall and information about admissions, events, news, and student life.
